Check out Octopus Enrichment at SEA LIFE Aquarium

SEA LIFE Aquarium at Concord Mills has re-launched its Octopus Enrichment Program. Here visitors can learn about the life of Giant Pacific Octopus and watch the aquarist team engage the resident octopus through several stimulating games. A team member hides food in Mega Blocks, and then children watch an octopus break apart the blocks to get food. An octopus can develop the mental capacity of a five-year-old and these puzzle-solving activities stimulate their intelligence.

When: Daily Enrichment Demonstration at 2:15 pm

Who: Kids up to 12 years old, although this activity is geared more for the younger set

Where: Concord Mills Mall, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd in Concord – the aquarium is located in the back of the mall

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The Highlights: More than 5,000 sea creatures can be viewed in over 20 displays. Kids get hands-on with sea stars, hermit crabs, and sea urchins in the interactive rockpool experience. In the ocean tunnel, visitors get nose-to-nose with sharks and stingrays. Animal talks and feedings occur throughout the day – pickup a brochure upon entry, to learn when and where these demonstrations start.

Fun Facts: Not only at the octopus demonstration, but also throughout the aquarium, visitors can learn fun facts like the male seashore gives birth. The mom lays her eggs in his pouch!

Don’t Miss: Pick up a Dive Log Book and your kids can look for 8 dive stations to collect a stamp. At their visit’s end, your kids can show their Dive Log to a staff member to claim a reward.

Behind the Scenes Tour: For just the next few weeks, visitors who take a Behind the Scenes Tour can see the team rehabbing 4 sea turtles that were injured during cold weather on North Carolina’s coast. Once healthier, these turtles will be released back into the ocean.

SEA LIFE Play Area

Sara Kendall

Good to Know: When the aquarium tour is finished, visit the play area, coloring stations, and snack area, plus watch an informative film.

Sara Kendall has traveled halfway across the globe with her kids and lived to tell about it. Stay tuned to hear about family destinations around Charlotte and beyond. Check out more of Sara’s travel at her website www.latitudecrossing.com or email her at kendallwritings@gmail.com.